UTERLargemouth bass fishing in Wisconsin freshwater
In Wisconsin freshwater, largemouth bass peak June–July and September and are around May–October, spawning in June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Spawn in the Madison chain and the northern bays.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Largemouth bass in Wisconsin freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArrivingEarly catch-and-release season in the north; pre-spawn in the dark-bottom bays.
- JuneSpawningSpawn in the Madison chain and the northern bays.
- JulyPeak
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberAround
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish largemouth bass near Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage
Northern muskie and walleye lakes around Hayward and the Vilas County chain, the Winnebago system's walleye, white bass and sturgeon, driftless trout creeks, and the Mississippi.
What to use for largemouth bass
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–92°F water, best at 62–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch largemouth bass in Wisconsin freshwater?
Peak season is June–July and September, with fish spawning in June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Largemouth bass are in Wisconsin freshwater May–October. June: Spawn in the Madison chain and the northern bays.
Where do largemouth bass hold in Wisconsin freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, pond / pit, river, creek / stream, dock / pilings — around Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage, Madison chain, Lake Geneva, Mississippi River.
What is the best bait for largemouth bass in Wisconsin freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), nightcrawlers, crayfish. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for largemouth bass in Wisconsin freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses.
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